Ashley Strong Smith's Yearly Reflections and intention setting

​My world, you see, is very intentional, filled with immense depths. 
Each day, a number or rituals are exchanged.
Some days, it's just one, maybe two and other days, it's all of the below mentioned! 
That of affirmations, I AM statements, meditations, nature walks,
tarot/oracle card pulling, reading, writing, intention/ goal setting, reflecting. 

Why am I sharing this? 
Because these very universal exchanges, have brought so much clarity, so much vibrancy, so much beauty into my very existence!
​ And my goodness, do I want to share it with all of you! 

​As we end another incredible year (or monumental time in our lives), I truly believe in not only setting intentions for the New Year (or what is to come), but honoring and reflecting on all that came this past year (or specific endeavor) as its so important celebrate all that has brought us to this very moment. 

Before you dive into these very universal exercise: 
✨Get a notebook and pack of pens that inspire you. 
✨Take a moment to create a safe and sacred space. 
✨Light a candle and/or incense. 
✨Put on calming music. 
✨Sit down with your pen and paper. 
✨Before even beginning to write, close your eyes, 
✨Place your left hand over your heart, your right hand over your belly. 
✨Take a deep inhalation as you fill up from the stomach, ribs, chest.
✨Pause. Then, slowly exhale, as you release from your chest, ribs, stomach. 
✨Take a minimum of three breaths like this. 
✨Pause for a few moments and when you're ready, open your eyes and begin!

​Enjoy and discover your very depths!

: Reflections & Intentions 

• After doing the above centering and breathing exercise, begin with your reflections.
• Break them out into personal, relationship and professional.
• Start writing without any hesitations all that has come to life! Once you're done, take a few moments to review each reflection and truly honor what you've accomplished!
• Then, when you're ready, begin with your intentions!
• I personally, break them into personal, relationship and professional!
• There is no holding back on any of this. Let your heart and soul do the writing!

: My word/phrase for the year 

• ​Every year, after reflecting and intention setting, I am usually inspired by a word or phrase. This, becomes my anchor for the year! I then print and frame it and then hang it in a place that I will see every single day. As a reminder, a reminder of my anchor, of all that I am and all that I am working towards! 

: Vision Board 

• Oh my friends, this one if one of my favorites, the vision board! This is a visual representations of your intentions, goals, manifestations, dreams, visions, you name it!
• Grab all your magazines around the house, scissors, a glass of wine or tea and start flipping through. When you are inspired, cut that very inspiration out. Create a pile.
• If you have specific manifestations that weren't in the magazines, go on Pinterest, search there or draw/write them yourself!
• Then, get card stock or a poster board and begin arranging these elements into a visually appealing vision board that you can hang in a place you'll see everyday! It's incredible to watch as these very visuals come into reality!  ​

: New Year's Tarot Spread 

• Tarot/ Oracle cards are truly one of my biggest inspirations! They serve as clarification, reminders, gentle touches, rough nudges of what spirit is trying to communicate.
• Although every deck carries about a different energy, as you put your energy into it, the messages become more and more clear.
• Some of my favorite decks :
  • Sacred Rebels Oracle
  • Whispers of Lord Ganesh
  • Work Your Light Oracle Cards
  • Keepers of Light Oracle Cards
  • The Universe Has Your Back
  • The Angel Guide Oracle 
• What to do when you get a deck? Firstly, I cleanse the deck by lighting sage or an incense and swirling that around the deck. As I do that, I talk to the deck/ spirit asking for clear guidance and protection as I use them. Then, I hold the deck in my hands, ask them a clear question (ie: Universe, my guides, what message do I need today as I embark on this new adventure?), knock the deck three times and start to shuffle. As you shuffle, cards start to fall, some come flying out. Look at the name/number of the card and then fund that card in the guide book for an expanded meaning!
• Specially, for the year of the year, I found this incredible NEW YEAR spread by The Van Mystic! With a specific spread, I ask an even more specific question. I will leave that up to your imagination!
• Just breathe, and have SO MUCH FUN! ​